Send us a text My guest, Sheila Johnson Wilson, a writer, musician, and professional coordinator, has endured the loss of more than 20 loved ones, including 17 in just five years. Through deep personal work, she’s found healing and now shares her story to inspire others with courage to heal, support one another, and dream again. Contact information for Sheila and William Wood are: ohohsheilaonline@gmail.com William Wood: william.wood@northernutahhypnosis.com Support the show Help keep the Do...
Send us a text In part three of my conversation with Marnie, she shares life after Joey’s death in 2022—the weight of grief, the struggles, and the ways she continues forward while holding onto her daughter’s memory. Unlike the first two episodes, we recorded this in Marnie’s home, where she invited me into Joey’s room, unchanged since the last time she slept there. Surrounded by Joey’s art and presence, it was a sacred, moving experience. I now invite you to lean in and hear Marnie’s honest ...
Send us a text In the second of three conversations, Marnie continues sharing the story of her daughter, Joey—this time moving into the heartbreaking account of her final days and the moment of her death. Alongside the deep pain, Marnie reflects with tenderness and honesty on the love that carried them through. Recorded in a bustling coffeehouse, this episode invites you to listen past the background sounds and into a mother’s unflinching story of loss, love, and remembrance. Support the sho...
Send us a text In the first of three conversations, Marnie from Colorado opens her heart to share memories of her daughter, Joey—the devastating medical diagnosis, countless hospital visits, and the daily fight to keep her alive, as well as the laughter, adventures, and everyday moments that filled their life with love. Recorded in a cozy coffeehouse, this episode invites you to see Joey through her mother’s eyes, before the tragedy that changed everything. Support the show Help keep the Don...
Send us a text In this episode, I revisit one of the most talked-about topics from Season 2, Episode 9: Did You Really Just Say That? We’ll reflect on some of the surprising, hurtful, or well-meaning-but-wrong things people say to grieving parents. I also share a few new comments I’ve heard recently from others in my grief support groups. If you've ever been on the receiving end of words that missed the mark—or if you want to better support someone in grief—this episode is for you. Support t...
Send us a text Nineteen years ago today, Kristen died. In this short episode, I reflect on the weight of this day—what it brings up, how I’ve coped, and the ways I’ve honored her memory through the years. Grief changes, but it never disappears. This is a quiet space to remember, to feel, and to share the journey of healing. Support the show Help keep the Don’t Forget To Breathe podcast going. Become a supporter today and be part of the movement to bring light, connection, and hope to those l...
Send us a text Where Has Bruce Been? After a three-year pause, Don’t Forget To Breathe returns with a raw and transparent look at the life-changing events that kept Bruce away from the mic. In this powerful relaunch, Bruce shares his journey through divorce, trauma, therapy, self-discovery, healing, and a new direction in life. It's a fresh chapter—honest, heartfelt, and rooted in the hope of moving forward together. Support the show Help keep the Don’t Forget To Breathe podcast going. Becom...
Send us a text After more than three years away from the mic, I’m back with Season 3—bringing heartfelt, healing conversations around life after child loss. This season features solo reflections, revisits to powerful past topics, and honest stories from fellow grieving parents. I may not be a professional, just a dad walking this journey, but I hope these episodes help you feel seen, heard, and less alone. Let’s take one step at a time, together. Support the show Help keep the Don’t Forget To...
Send us a text This will be a really short chat; I didn’t plan on doing an episode for a couple of weeks, but this thought popped up and I wanted to share it. This will be short, but hopefully, you will find something in it that might help. The big theme of my New Year’s Message…YOU MADE IT! Support the show Help keep the Don’t Forget To Breathe podcast going. Become a supporter today and be part of the movement to bring light, connection, and hope to those living with loss. Follow this link...
Send us a text In the midst of the Holidays, The First Time Since talks about those events, favorite places and special occasions that we experience for the first time since losing a child, or anyone close to us. Simply living life day by day will reveal moments of remembrance that can trigger sorrow, pain, anger and more. But this can feel overwhelming during the Holiday season. If only to know that you are not alone with your avalanche of emotions, maybe this episode will give you a glimmer...
Send us a text I believe that during the course of our lives, both individually and collectively, our daily activities, experiences and relationships are woven together to eventually form an amazing and complex tapestry; our very own life’s tapestry. A tapestry is made up of so many threads, each with its own purpose and distinct place in the pattern being created. But why those threads; why then; why now. Let's discover some of those threads in my life's tapestry. Support the show Hel...
Send us a text It was time to go back to Denver; time to get out of Louisiana; time to leave behind the horrible experience of burying my daughter. There was nothing to live for any longer. I was cloaked in despair; a walking death-wish. But someone had another plan for my life. This is the story of a divine encounter that changed everything. Support the show Help keep the Don’t Forget To Breathe podcast going. Become a supporter today and be part of the movement to bring light, connection, ...
Send us a text From the moment I entered the Funeral Home until the time I exited, I was left with a lasting impression of the "business" of funerals. On top of being there because my child had died, the experience was one that I hope no parent will need to go through, even though I know it happens every single day to someone. Support the show Help keep the Don’t Forget To Breathe podcast going. Become a supporter today and be part of the movement to bring light, connection, and hope to thos...
Send us a text So on a day like any other, I got the call no parent ever wants to get, or ever really imagines they will, and one they never should. My daughter was dead. This episode covers the moment my life changed forever, and the living nightmare that began the next chapter of my life. Support the show Help keep the Don’t Forget To Breathe podcast going. Become a supporter today and be part of the movement to bring light, connection, and hope to those living with loss. Follow this link ...
Send us a text Don’t Forget to Breathe is a podcast that follows the journey of a father who suddenly lost his 20-year-old daughter, and the life that followed a tragedy no parent should ever have to endure. In these episodes, I’ll talk openly about my grief, my anger, my depression, the emptiness I’ve felt and even those surprising moments of joy, glimpses of happiness, and what it’s been like to learn to laugh again. This is an ongoing journey, and I’ll be sharing my deepest thoughts and fe...